Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed that has a bit body with a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom and at least one cutting element for engaging a formation disposed on at least one of the plurality of blades. At least a portion of the plurality of blades has a first matrix region made of a plurality of first carbide particles separated by a first binder phase, wherein the plurality of first carbide particles have a mean free path of at least 40 microns.

Abstract: A matrix powder for forming a matrix bit body, the matrix powder essentially consisting of a plurality of carbide particles having a particle size distribution of ±20% of a median particle size; and a plurality of metal binder particles is disclosed.

Abstract: A sintered polycrystalline composite for cutting tools that includes a plurality of diamond or cubic boron nitride particles; a plurality of nanotube materials; and a refractory or binder material is disclosed. Methods of forming such polycrystalline composites that include integrating or mixing a plurality of nanotube materials with diamond or cubic boron nitride particle and/or refractory or binder particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A matrix powder for forming a matrix bit body, the matrix powder essentially consisting of a plurality of carbide particles having a particle size distribution of ±20% of a median particle size; and a plurality of metal binder particles is disclosed.

Abstract: A composite body for cutting tools that includes a ductile phase; a plurality of carbide particles dispersed the ductile phase; and a plurality of nanotubes integrated into the composite body is disclosed. Methods of making such composite bodies and drill bits formed of such material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sintered polycrystalline composite for cutting tools that includes a plurality of diamond or cubic boron nitride particles; a plurality of nanotube materials; and a refractory or binder material is disclosed. Methods of forming such polycrystalline composites that include integrating or mixing a plurality of nanotube materials with diamond or cubic boron nitride particle and/or refractory or binder particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drill bit that includes a bit body; and at least one cutting element for engaging the formation disposed on the bit body, the at least one cutting element comprising: a ductile phase; a plurality of carbide particles dispersed in the ductile phase; and a plurality of nanotubes integrated into the cutting element is disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure regulating device for connecting a pressure source to an inflatable object comprises: a hollow casing; a valve system positioned inside the hollow casing; a fluid inlet connected to the valve system; a fluid outlet; a fluid conduit positioned inside the hollow casing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; a pressure-sensing structure attached to the conduit and being movable inside the hollow casing and attached to the pressure sensing structure; a pressure-generating structure disposed inside the hollow casing and attached to the pressure-sensing structure. The pressure-generating structure can exert a bias force upon the pressure-sensing structure in proportion to a desired pressure in the inflatable object. The pressure regulator can inflate the object when the initial pressure inside the inflatable object is lower than the desired pressure and automatically terminates inflation when the pressure inside the object reaches the desired pressure.